Scientists at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, are developing earlier and more accurate blood tests for osteosarcoma using naturally occurring cases in dogs. This veterinary cancer research not only benefits pets but also accelerates drug development, early detection tools, and immunotherapies for human patients through comparative oncology.

The work aims to translate molecular signals found in canine tumours into diagnostics that could help veterinarians and doctors identify aggressive disease sooner and guide treatment choices. Researchers say the cancer behaves similarly across species, making pet dogs a valuable part of the effort. With osteosarcoma being at least ten times more prevalent in dogs than in humans, the findings could have profound implications for both veterinary and human medicine.

The Dog Osteosarcoma Group – Biomarkers of Neoplasia (DOGBONe) is leading the work at the college, with funding and support from OVC Pet Trust and the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, the university said in a news release. The interdisciplinary team draws on pathology, biomedical science and engineering to move laboratory discoveries toward tests that can be used in clinics.

“At the genetic and clinical levels, the cancer is nearly identical in both dogs and humans,” said Dr. Geoffrey Wood, pathobiology professor and co-leader of DOGBONe. His team has focused on small circulating molecules, including certain microRNAs, that might better predict how these patients fare in the clinic. Such research is crucial, considering that in humans, the incidence of osteosarcoma is approximately 1.02 per 100,000 people annually, while it is estimated at 13.9–27.2 per 100,000 in dogs.

Dr. Alicia Viloria-Petit, a biomedical sciences professor and co-leader of the interdisciplinary group, said recent advances across several fields have sharpened researchers’ ability to spot genetic markers tied to disease progression. “In the past decade, advancements in cancer biology, biomedical engineering and clinical trials have led to the discovery of genetic markers that are helping us better understand how the disease progresses,” she said. This understanding not only benefits dogs but lays the groundwork for similar advancements in human clinical settings.

Earlier this year, DOGBONe held an event that connected cancer survivors with researchers; attendees included people and their pets who shared personal stories about how osteosarcoma had affected their lives, according to the project timeline. That meeting brought clinicians, laboratory scientists and families together as the team sought to align laboratory priorities with the needs of patients and pet owners. Pet owners were encouraged to monitor their dogs for signs of cancer, including abnormal swellings and changes in energy levels, ensuring prompt veterinary consultations.

Researchers have identified microRNAs in the blood of dogs with osteosarcoma that appear linked to more aggressive disease and shorter survival times. The presence of these molecules in circulation could offer a way to flag tumours likely to spread before changes are visible on imaging or under the microscope, the team says.

Osteosarcoma is a painful bone cancer most often seen in older, larger dog breeds. That higher incidence provides a larger pool of naturally occurring cases for study, which researchers say can yield findings more relevant to human patients than results from laboratory rodents. Dr. Geoffrey Wood emphasized the project’s practical aims. “We are actively working to turn this discovery into a quick and practical test that can help owners and veterinarians make important treatment decisions,” he said. This focus reflects a growing recognition of the importance of veterinary research in shaping human medical advancements.

Dr. Huiyan Li, a biomedical engineer and professor at the College of Engineering, contributes engineering expertise to the collaboration, helping to design ways to measure key molecules in blood that could be deployed in clinical settings.

The project is supported by OVC Pet Trust and the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, organizations the team credits with enabling the cross-disciplinary work needed to move molecular markers from discovery toward clinical use. The University of Guelph News release on the project outlines the research goals and the team’s collaborative approach.

Researchers say the next steps include validating the molecular markers in larger groups of dogs and refining tests so they are quick and practical for use in veterinary clinics and, potentially, human hospitals. The team frames the effort as joint progress for veterinary and human cancer care, using parallels between species to speed development. With ongoing research, the goal remains clear: to improve outcomes through earlier detection and more targeted therapies for both dogs and humans alike.

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